On a project featuring many spectacular sights, the lifting of 750-tonne deck segments from barges on the Forth up 200 feet to the deck level is really something extra special

Sections of the new bridge’s deck weighing 750 tonnes each - as heavy as a small Royal Navy ship - are also being lifted into place on the towers.

Infrastructure secretary Keith Brown, who watched progress from North Queensferry today, described the operation as “enthralling”.

He said: “On a project featuring many spectacular sights, the lifting of 750-tonne deck segments from barges on the Forth up 200 feet to the deck level is really something extra special.

“The precision and complex engineering required to achieve this is equally enthralling.

“Local people and commuters on the Forth Road Bridge will be treated to this spectacle over the next year or so and it will only get more spectacular as the road deck fans out from the towers, supported by newly-fitted cables as they go.”

The first of 110 deck units were installed last month and are expected to take a year to complete.